I am currently enrolled in the second
half of my first year in the Bachelor of Social Work program at U.H.
Manoa. It was in Fall 2008 semester that
I arrived at WCC filled with wonder, fear and concern whether I could cut the
mustard. Plainly, you can see that I was
about to launch into unchartered waters.
Two weeks later I happen to be walking through the lanai (porch) of the
Hale Naʻauao building where TRIO is located.
I walked through TRIOʻs doors to find a room filled with computers and
students studying. I query the young man
who informed me of the program. Being a
native Hawaiian woman who is first generation non-traditional college student
was eligible to enroll in the program.
Since that day, I have been a recipient of all the services TRIO
provides from tutoring and mentoring by student cohorts to assistance in
applying for various scholarships, FAFSA, to helping in our tax returns. In addition to the fore mentioned, TRIO
provides peanut butter and jelly with discounted bread from the Loves shop here
in Kaneohe throughout the day on a weekly basis. Sandwiches (ham, hot dogs, tuna, and egg) through
donations for lunch is provided daily for students because the majority of the
students that access TRIO have no means of buying lunch. Comments by other students reflect their
appreciation for the sandwiches for example it helps them to focus on the
school work and/or there was nothing for them to eat at home.
In May 2012 I graduated from WCC with a
Certificate of Completion in Hawaiian Studies and transferred with more than
enough credits to U.H. Manoa and got accepted into the BSW program. Presently, my cumulative grade point average
is 3.8 with hopes in graduating on time with my BSW class and then on to the
MSW.
Some of my background has been in
helping individuals, groups or communities in improving their quality of life
and wellbeing. The career goal I have
set my eyes on is to work for the indigent with a social policy concentration (in
education, Womenʻs rights) like your mentor, Patsy Mink. For over thirty years, my involvement
includes community organizing, providing primary health care integrated with
psychosocial and traditional cultural services, and public policy aimed on
impacting areas of health care, human services, social injustice, inequality,
education, labor and Native Hawaiians. Formally
founder and Executive Director of the Waimanalo Health Center for twelve years,
I supported and applaud your effort as Lieutenant Governor in starting the
public pre-school program in our community.
With foresight the public pre-school program is sorely needed and being
currently tossed around at the legislature, the Executive branch and in our
communities.
Just imagine if we all had a good start
with a public pre-school education, there would be a lot more success stories. However, there is a generation before the
1990ʻs that will need programs like TRIO Student Support Services (Windward) to
get a start, support and care in attaining our goals, careers and life with
higher education.
I have always been a staunch supporter and
voter by knowing your background, what you stand for (especially in Women
rights), and what you hope to do.
It is with solemn humility to ask your
support for the Windward Community Collegeʻs TRIO Student Support Services
program.
Me
kealoha mau loa hoaloha,
(Much
love for a friend)
Radine
Kawahine Kamakea-Ohelo
1 comment:
i love her
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